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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Southland Conference Preview

The Southland Conference did not have much of a league race all season, as Sam Houston State jumped out to an 11-0 start and never looked back. The Bears lost two league games, both in overtime, and finished three games ahead of East Division champion Stephen F. Austin. Southeastern Louisiana and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi both finished 10-6, while Texas-San Antonio and Texas State were the only other teams to finish above .500 in SLC play. SHS had a couple of scares in the conference tournament before beating SFA by 16 in the title game. Once in the NCAA Tournament, Sam Houston State hung with Baylor all game, as the Bears needed an 8-0 run down the stretch to clinch the win. The league could open a bit this season.

East Division

1. Southeastern Louisiana: The Lions bring back a balanced and deep group, led by guard Trent Hutchin. They do have to replace Patrick Sullivan.

2. Nicholls State: Anatoly Bose is arguably the league’s best player, and can carry the Colonels. Guard Fred Hunter is another guy who can score.

3. Lamar: The Cardinals struggled down the stretch last season, but they bring back Anthony Miles and welcome a very good recruiting class.

4. Northwestern State: This could be a sleeper if it improves on the defensive end. Devon Baker, Will Pratt and William Mosley form a good trio.

5. McNeese State: The Cowboys lose only one starter and return one of the best backcourts in the SLC in Patrick Richard and Diego Kapelan.

6. Central Arkansas: Former Arkansas star Corliss Williamson has quite the project ahead of him as the new coach. Tadre Sheppard leads the way.

West Division

1. Stephen F. Austin: The Lumberjacks should take the next step into the Big Dance this year. They defend and have scorers in Eddie Williams and Jereal Scott.

2. Texas State: The Bobcats have no problem scoring the ball with their fast-paced offense, but they need to defend better. Cameron Johnson is a POY candidate.

3. Sam Houston State: The defending champs lose three starters and their head coach from last season; Gilberto Clavell will be the go-to-guy.

4. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi: Do-it-all guard Kevin Palmer needs to be replaced, but forwards Demond Watt and Justin Reynolds are up to the task.

5. Texas-San Antonio: The Roadrunners return only four players from last season, and bring in 10 newcomers. Devin Gibson is an all-conference guard.

6. Texas-Arlington: Without Player of the Year Marquez Haynes, the Mavericks could struggle to improve on their fifth-place finish of last season.